Islamic Art in Context : Art, Architecture and the Literary World

Robert Irwin delves deep into the cultures of the Islamic world to survey its exquisite arts of painting, architecture, porcelain, enamel, manuscript illumination, metalwork, calligraphy, textiles and more, from the earliest foundations of Islam through the brilliant high point of the 17th century.

By viewing this little-understood art in its social, political, economic, literary, and religious contexts, the author presents a complete picture, from the most refined imperial arts of the Ottoman sultans, Persian shahs, and Moghul emperors to the breathtaking arts created for everyday use.